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Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries in Virginia — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

Virginia pays licensed practical nurses a median wage of $62,310 per year — that's $29.96/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 16,710 licensed practical nurses make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.

Licensed Practical Nurse salaries in Virginia are below the national average by approximately $1,177. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.

Virginia's proximity to major metros and strong economy supports good wages for licensed practical nurses.

Virginia Licensed Practical Nurse Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Virginia after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$62,310
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$48,455

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Virginia Licensed Practical Nurse Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Virginia median of $62,310.

Your annual salary ($)

Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by Experience — Virginia

Entry Level (0–2 years)$38,600/yr · $18.56/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Virginia.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$55,455/yr · $26.66/hr
Established professional working independently in Virginia. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$69,164/yr · $33.25/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Virginia.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$89,700+/yr · $43.12/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Virginia.
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Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Trend in Virginia — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Licensed Practical Nurse salaries in Virginia have grown an estimated 13.9% over the past five years, reflecting broader workforce and economic conditions. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Virginia's healthcare and long-term care.

2021
$54,708
2022
$57,885
+5.8%
2023
$60,565
+4.6%
2024
$61,562
+1.6%
2026
$62,310
+1.2%

Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by City — Virginia

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Virginia Beach$69,150$33.25+11.0%5,848
Norfolk$66,050$31.75+6.0%4,678
Chesapeake$64,200$30.87+3.0%3,007
Richmond$59,800$28.75-4.0%1,503
Arlington$56,700$27.26-9.0%1,002
Alexandria$54,200$26.06-13.0%668

Tip: Virginia Beach offers the highest licensed practical nurse salaries in Virginia at $69,150/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Virginia vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Virginia sits in the mid-range for licensed practical nurses.

Virginia — 5.75% state income tax$62,310 gross~$48,455 take-home
West Virginia — 6.5%$49,850 gross-20.0% vs VA
Maryland — 5.75%$69,870 gross+12.1% vs VA
North Carolina — 4.5%$61,380 gross-1.5% vs VA

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.

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Licensed Practical Nurse Job Outlook in Virginia

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
16,710Currently employed
1,671+New jobs projected

Employment for licensed practical nurses in Virginia is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Virginia job market. Virginia's proximity to major metros and strong economy supports good wages for licensed practical nurses.

How to Earn More as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Virginia

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a licensed practical nurse in Virginia typically adds $51,100 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Virginia Beach pays licensed practical nurses $69,150/yr — +11.0% above the Virginia average. Simply relocating within Virginia can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.

3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Licensed Practical Nurses who specialise in healthcare and long-term care typically command premium rates in Virginia. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. West Virginia pays licensed practical nurses $49,850/yr — -20.0% vs Virginia.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do licensed practical nurses earn in Virginia?
The average licensed practical nurse salary in Virginia is $62,310 per year, or $29.96 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $38,600 while experienced professionals earn $89,700 or more.
What city in Virginia pays licensed practical nurses the most?
Virginia Beach pays licensed practical nurses the most in Virginia at an average of $69,150 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
How does Virginia licensed practical nurse salary compare to the national average?
Virginia licensed practical nurse salaries are below the calculated national average by approximately $1,177. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
What is the take-home pay for a licensed practical nurse in Virginia?
A licensed practical nurse earning the Virginia average of $62,310 takes home approximately $48,455 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
Is licensed practical nurse a good career in Virginia?
Yes. Licensed Practical Nurse is a strong career choice in Virginia with steady demand projected over the next decade. Virginia's proximity to major metros and strong economy supports good wages for licensed practical nurses.
How do you get a licensed practical nurse licence in Virginia?
In Virginia, licensed practical nurses are licensed through the State Board of Nursing. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State Board of Nursing for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.